If you are enraged or depressed by the Browns' loss in Washington, you're not being realistic. The game was lost on three turnovers. This is not a chronic problem.
This is a rebuilding team, and what is important is the fact that a bunch of KIDS went toe-to-toe with a well-established, very talented, well-coached veteran team. They stuck with the run, and the rookie quarterback overcame an even bigger point deficit than he did in his first ever start last week.
While the defense utterly failed to pressure Cousins until the second half, the secondary covered well. Yes it did. When a pass is perfectly timed and accurate, the defender can't stop it, period. Kirk Cousins is exceptionally accurate, and the issue was pressure ONLY. He rarely had to hurry, or flee the pocket. His feet were planted, he saw the whole field, and went receiver-shopping.
The Skins ability to run the ball was frustrating, yes. But this was the first time in four games any offense has managed that vs this defense. That's not chronic either. This is 20 SIX TEEN ok?
The biggest sign of progress was the Browns' running game. Crowell has finally, at long last, found his inner Beast Mode. Everybody will talk about that, but few will bother to mention the huge, massive holes his offensive line and other blockers opened for him and Duke, right up the gut, over and over and over again.
That is HUGE!!! They did it against Miami's murderers row a week ago, and the Redskins were ready for it, and still couldn't stop it.
Understand this: This is the macho test. This is me telling you, I am going to run you over in advance, and then DOING IT. Physicly overpowering you. Kicking sand in your face.
We haven't seen this in Cleveland since Marty Schottenheimer.
Cody Kessler is surprising everybody but Hue Jackson. His interception was NOT a bad decision, but bad timing. If he had led Pryor by three more feet, Norman couldn't have undercut the route OR prevented the catch.
He's been practicing with Pryor for two weeks. Pryor may not have even been running that pattern (it's absolutely the hardest one for him to get separation on) three weeks ago.
It's not CHRONIC ok? Kessler is still just a baby ok?
Kessler's performance overall has been impressive. Stop comparing him to the other rookies who started game one with well established veteran teams. Hue asked us to trust him on this. So far, so good.
The defense needs more pressure. Cam Johnson brought it in the second half. Good for Ray Horton, giving him another shot. Carl Nassib will be back soon, and that guy is just a fa-reek!!!
Oh yes. Doctor Jacksonstein is building a monster. Stand by.
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